Dear Elder Smith,
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Washington Kennewick Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.
You should report to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language.

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Week Four of My Second Transfer

Familia y Amigos,

Que Paso? Como Estan Todo!? Les Extrano Mucho!

I hope everyone had an amazing Mother's Day and gave appreciation to all of the extraordinary mothers out there. For my mothers day I had the opportunity to skype with my mother and the rest of my family. It was emotional, but heartwarming to see my family is doing well. However, we could only talk for one hour which was pretty difficult. At the end of the conversation it was almost impossible to push the "end call" button.

My week in the mission has passed incredibly fast (yet again) and was full of several amazing experiences. We had the chance to pick weeds twice this week. Although this may not sound too appealing, it's always nice to take your mind off missionary work and do semi-worldly things. Also, we got fed so well from the members this week. I love how Hispanics eat meat with almost every meal. Every time we have a dinner with a member, they always make sure we have at least two or three plates of food. However, you will always get that occasional off the wall meal that you have to find a way to scarf down. For example, yesterday we had a meal that started off well, but didn't have the best ending. Mexicans absolutely love "Helote" or sweet corn in English. The family we went too decided to add an extra little kick to the sweet corn. They LAYERED mayonnaise upon mayonnaise onto the corn with tons of chile sauce. I had to get that baby down so I simply closed my eyes and imagined I was eating an ice-cream. The joys of being a missionary:)

Our investigators are doing well and all of the prayers are definitely helping. We had some stellar lessons with Natalio this week and learned a couple of new phrases in Mixteco. He is still on the journey to baptism on the 30th of this month. YAY!

Missionary work was kind of slow this week due to the several people that didn't want to answer their doors. It's always a tad bit disappointing when you have high hoped for a lesson with an investigator and they don't show up or forget. However, this is where fervent prayer and faith comes into play for a missionary. The power of prayer is truly a remarkable gift given to us from God. Our Father in Heaven wants to lead us and guide us, which can be accomplished by offering a sincere prayer. We can pray at any moment and in any situation. It may sound a little strange, but I have found that praying in the shower in the morning is a good place for me. When we open our hearts with faith, I know that every child of God can receive comfort and counsel.

Desire--->Faith--->Change of Heart--->Miracles

"Faith is the power, obedience is the price, love is the motive, the spirit is the key, Jesus Christ is the reason," President Ware.

As we accomplish a desire to follow Jesus Christ, we will be led and guided to a life full of happiness and unfathomable experiences. I've noticed that as we continue our lives, we must always strive to obtain more faith. "Life isn't about the breaths we take, it's about the moments that take our breath away." Moments that these are achievable through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love you all so much and keep you in my prayers every day. I hope all is well and you all have an awesome week.

Washington Yakima Mission

Favorite Scripture: Ether 12:4 Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always bounding in good works, being led to glorify God.

My Family

*My Sister*

My lovely Sister, Tara Faye Smith. She is currently attending Brigham Young University Hawaii and recently got engaged. Words cannot describe how much I love her and how grateful I am to have had her by my side for the past 19 years.

*My Mom*

My mom has served as an inspiration and role-model to our entire family. She's my best friend and someone I can continuously count on in a time of need. I just love my momma.

*My Dad*

My Dad and I have always had a strong relationship. He has persistently encouraged myself to become a worthy Priesthood holder and has taught me to value life. I love my Dad and would be lost without him.

Called to Serve

Words cannot describe how grateful I am to serve the Lord and build the Kingdom of God. Thank you to my family, friends, and the Lord for inspiring me to become a full-time missionary.

Feasting Upon the Words of Christ

2 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.